While reading the article about civility laws to deal with the issues of homelessness, I was dismayed by the seeming lack of civility expressed toward this issue.
It can be assured that no one wants to encounter human feces in the doorways of businesses or excessive trash in the parks. But if you have nowhere to sleep and no bathroom to use, what are you supposed to do? And that is the definition of homeless.
Councilman Les Thomas was quoted in the article. His lack of empathy and knowledge is dumbfounding.
Really, Councilman Thomas, you believe that someone chooses to be homeless rather than work because they get such good benefits? Apparently, you do not understand that unemployment benefits last for only 71 weeks, even in this great depression. And do you understand that in order to get unemployment benefits, one has to work.
Council members are supposed to be making the city of Kent a better place for all of us who live here, not just for those who have reached a certain level of success. The lack of empathy and understanding is appalling. To think that this person represents the city of Kent and will be responsible for “civility” is frightening.
Shame on you Councilman Thomas. I can only hope that your tenure on the council is short-lived and your influence is negligible.
– Carol Barber
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